A nostalgic World War II-themed hangar dance and dinner, complete with big-band performances and 1940s Hollywood “stars”, will return for the 13th year Saturday, April 30, hosted by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing.
With the theme “Keep ‘em Flying,” guests will be surrounded by rare World War II aircraft and memorabilia. The evening festivities will be 6-11 p.m. at the Historical Airpower Facility, Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field, Peachtree City.
“Keep ‘em Flying” guests will hear the Peachtree Jazz Edition perform big-band tunes made famous by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. Described as one of the best bands in Atlanta, the Peachtree Jazz Edition has a loyal swing-dance following and is returning to “Keep ‘em Flying” for the13th straight year. The Freedom Belles, a female trio that performs 40s classics by the Andrews Sisters and other stars, also will entertain guests. Swing dance lessons will be conducted by Rachel’s Dance Connection.
“Keep ‘em Flying” is one of several highlights scheduled during WWII Heritage Days, April 30-May 1. The event provides a living history experience unique to the state of Georgia, bringing together historic aircraft, vintage military vehicles, antique cars, educational displays and demonstrations. A special highlight this year is the appearance of an actual WWII veteran paratrooper, James “Pee Wee” Martin, who jumped from a C-47 on D-Day with the 101st Airborne division and also jumped into battle for Operation Market Garden and the defense of Bastogne. He will speak during the weekend.
The theme for 2016 is “Remember Pearl Harbor.” World War II veterans and the men and women who managed the home front are invited to attend the dance as guests of the CAF Dixie Wing. Proceeds from the dance help cover costs associated with WWII Heritage Days, as well as the ongoing preservation of the group’s historic aircraft and “Education Through Living History”, a World War II history program made available free by CAF Dixie Wing volunteers for schools and youth groups.
The Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau is joining as a sponsor for the weekend event, which brings hundreds of participants and guests to the area. “This is a tremendous educational program that also serves to make sure the heroic accomplishments of Americans in the 1940s will not be forgotten,” said Jennifer Johnson, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Tickets for “Keep ‘em Flying” are $55 before April 25, $65 at the door. Reserved tables and group discounts are available. The Wing encourages 1940s attire. The dance will take place rain or shine. No refunds. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 678-654-2464. For more information, visit www.wwiidays.org.
The Commemorative Air Force is a nonprofit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Dallas, Texas, the organization has more than 12,000 members and operates a fleet of more than 162 World War II aircraft. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.
